What is the notion of predestination and how did it impact New England settlement? How did religion play a crucial role in the lives of New England women?
Those who believe in predestination believe that God determined before they were born whether they'd go to Heaven or Hell.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predestination
Religion governed all aspects of life in the New England settlement. It taught that women were subservient to men.
The notion of predestination refers to the belief that all events, including a person's salvation or damnation, are predetermined by God. It had a significant impact on the settlement of New England.
To understand the concept's impact on New England settlement, you can follow these steps:
1. Research the Puritans: The Puritans were a group of English Protestants who sought to reform the Church of England. They believed in predestination, which was a central tenet of their theology.
2. Explore the theology of predestination: Predestination was based on the idea that before the creation of the world, God elected certain individuals to be saved while condemning others to damnation. This belief influenced the mindset and actions of the Puritans.
3. Observe the Puritan migration: The Puritans, seeking religious freedom, migrated from England to the New World in the early 17th century. They settled in what is now known as New England, including areas like Massachusetts Bay Colony, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
4. Understand the Puritan work ethic: The belief in predestination created a strong work ethic among the Puritans. They believed that hard work and success in worldly affairs were signs of being among the "elect" or chosen by God for salvation.
5. Examine the impact on social and economic life: The Puritans established tight-knit and self-governing communities where religion played an integral role in every aspect of life, including governance, education, and the economy. Their commitment to the Protestant work ethic contributed to the growth and prosperity of New England.
Regarding the role of religion in the lives of New England women, particularly Puritan women, you can consider the following:
1. Research the Puritan view of women: The Puritans held a patriarchal worldview where men were considered the heads of household and had primary authority over women. Women were expected to be submissive and fulfill domestic duties.
2. Explore the religious roles of women: While women were excluded from formal church leadership positions, they played crucial roles in the religious lives of their families and communities. They were responsible for raising children in accordance with Puritan values and educating them in matters of faith.
3. Examine the practice of "goodwife": Puritan women were often referred to as "goodwife" or "goody," emphasizing their roles as pious and virtuous wives. They were expected to support their husbands' spiritual journeys and contribute to the overall religious health of the community.
4. Understand the concept of "covenant theology": Puritan women were seen as part of a covenant relationship with God. Their primary duties included obedience to God's will, fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers, and serving as moral beacons within their families and communities.
5. Recognize the limitations: Despite their religious roles, Puritan women had limited legal and political rights. They were excluded from positions of authority and were subject to male domination. However, their adherence to religious principles gave them a degree of influence within the domestic realm.
By following these steps, you should be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the notion of predestination and its impact on New England settlement, as well as the crucial role of religion in the lives of New England women.